The Pittsburgh Penguins are riding high following a six-game winning streak as they prepare to face the Calgary Flames in an afternoon matchup at PPG Paints Arena. With a record of 21-12-9, the Penguins currently sit in a solid playoff position, showcasing the sixth-best winning percentage in the Eastern Conference. The game is set to start at 3:30 p.m., featuring an opening performance of the National Anthems by Jeff Jimmerson.
In their last outing, the Penguins controlled the game against the New Jersey Devils, securing a 4-1 victory. Goalie Stuart Skinner played a pivotal role, stopping 27 out of 28 shots and earning cheers from the crowd. The game marked the return of Evgeni Malkin, who scored a power-play goal after recovering from a shoulder injury. Malkin played on a line with Ben Kindel at center, with Kindel stepping into the second-line role smoothly. Notable performances also came from Erik Karlsson, who scored in the first period, and Sidney Crosby, who, along with Rickard Rakell, contributed two assists each.
On the other side, the Flames are in a challenging position, having dropped their last four games and only managing to score one goal in their past three matches. In their latest defeat, Calgary fell to the Boston Bruins 4-1. As they continue their five-game road trip in the East, the Flames find themselves seven points away from a playoff spot. Trade rumors are heating up around key players such as defenseman Rasmus Andersson and forward Nazem Kadri, adding more pressure to the struggling team.
In line changes ahead of the game, the Penguins will be without winger Bryan Rust due to an upper-body injury, prompting the recall of Rafael Harvey-Pinard and the addition of Kevin Hayes to the lineup. For Calgary, Blake Coleman will also miss the game due to injury.
Viewers can watch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh or listen on 105.9 The X. The Penguins’ power play is among the best in the league at 29.8%, while Calgary’s struggles are highlighted by a last-ranked power play efficiency of 13.9%.
Key players to watch in this matchup include Sidney Crosby, who is on an impressive eight-game point streak and just shy of reaching 50 points for the season, alongside Erik Karlsson, who is on a nine-game home point streak. The Penguins have found a surge in their performance since December 25, leading the league in wins and fewest goals allowed.
As both teams look to improve their standings, the Penguins will aim to extend their winning streak, while the Flames desperately seek to turn their fortunes around. This matchup promises to be an exciting clash as playoff aspirations remain at stake.